China to Slap Port Fees on American Vessels in Retaliatory Move

China will start levying special fees on American ships docking at its ports, significantly escalating a months-long dispute in which Washington has targeted the Asian country for its maritime and trade dominance.

Starting Oct. 14, Beijing will charge 400 Chinese yuan ($56) per net ton on US ships that call at Chinese ports, according to a Ministry of Transport release on Friday. The fees will increase each year, reaching 1,120 yuan by April 2028.